Page 107 of An Archer's Reckoning

“What can you tell us about the Crypt?” I asked, feeling less than useless discussing a magical mirror.

“The entrance is a small stone structure within the Palace grounds. This is the upper chamber. My father used to take me down there a few times each year to remember one grandfather or another . . . or to teach me a lesson on history. He loved object lessons.” She thought a moment, her eyes never leaving the metal. “Why would a mirror in a hidden cave on the far side of the country reflect that image? What is this thing?”

“Place your hand against it.” Atikus motioned to the mirror.

She looked back, caution mingling with curiosity in her eyes.

“It’s all right, I think,” he said.

“You think? How inspiring.” She turned back to the mirror and raised her palm. When her fingers were only inches away, she startled and yanked her hand back. “My skin tingled as I got closer.”

Atikus offered a less than helpful, “Hmm.”

Jess looked at me. All I could do was shrug. What did I know about magically Enchanted items compared to my hundreds-year-old adopted father?

Jess huffed, then turned to stare at the strange metal while stretching a single finger toward its surface. She flinched as her finger came within inches, but she continued to press it forward. When her finger reached where it should have tapped against metal, it vanished through the mirror’s surface. She jerked back and clutched her hand to her chest.

“Holy fucking Spirits!”

Her curse came so unexpectedly, a laugh burst out. She wheeled about with fiery eyes, and I had to cover my mouth to stifle any further amusement. Laughter danced in Atikus’s eyes, but the frustrating old man kept his mouth in check—for once.

Jess braced herself, resting a hand on my arm. When she realized what she’d done, she snapped that hand back, too. Her eyes focused on some point on the ground, avoiding everyone’s gazes.

Atikus saved her from her embarrassment, stepping around me to walk back to the table. “I believe this is some kind of magical doorway that leads into your Crypt.”

I took the hint and followed, a tight grin twitching on my normally stoic face.

Atikus grinned up at me as he filled a glass. “Remember, this cave was created to shelter the last Mages from Irina’s wrath. They had to get here somehow.”

“An escape route?” I sat, amazed at the implications of such a device.

Jess’s blush faded as she joined us and sat. “Does that mean we can go home?”

“Maybe you can. It’s notourhome.” I sounded more bitter than I intended. “I doubt we’d be welcomed with open arms, given the army you have marching on our homeland. Do the people even know of the King’s death?”

Jess’s head drooped at the mention of her father.

“Jess, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”

“Do not apologize,” she snapped, then smoothed her tone. “You are right, of course. I do not even know if I could protect you—or myself. I was not exactly kind to people back home.”

“Child, you will be surprised what people will forgive when they learn who you truly are.” Atikus gave her another fatherly smile. “You may be Queen, but you are still so young. They will understand that you have grown—that youcontinueto grow. Never fear offering your people the respect you hope to earn from them; you might be surprised what happens.”

She stared at the Mage, an unreadable expression in her eyes. Then, without warning, she dropped to her knees and cradled his hands in hers. “Thank you, Atikus. Thank you.”

Moisture clouded the old Mage’s eyes.

She kissed his hand and stood.

“I need to sleep. That wine worked miracles, but I am exhausted. Can we talk about what comes next tomorrow morning?” she asked.

“Of course. My old bones could use some rest, too.”

Chapter 40

Ethan

Immaculate snow covered the ground for hundreds of paces surrounding the city walls. Our armies dared not touch that ground, knowing the range of our enemies’ bows. It was a killing field, but one we would have to cross before the city was won.

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